Description
A hearty, comforting soup made with cannellini beans, vegetables, herbs, and optional Italian sausage simmered in a flavorful broth for the ultimate Tuscan-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Units
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- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 4 celery stalks, diced
- 1 pound mild Italian sausage, removed from casing (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt, more to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, more to taste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 6-8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 bay leaf
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (more as desired)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for finishing)
- 2 cups chopped kale or spinach
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Optional: parmesan rind, or sprig of rosemary or sage for simmering
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- If using sausage, add it to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Stir in tomato paste, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Mix until the vegetables and sausage are evenly coated.
- Add beans, broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes. Mash some beans for a thicker texture if desired.
- Stir in kale or spinach and cook for 5 minutes until wilted. Add lemon juice and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Remove bay leaf and any herbs used for simmering. Ladle into bowls and drizzle with olive oil. Garnish with parmesan and parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit sausage and use vegetable broth.
- Add a parmesan rind while simmering for a richer, umami flavor.
- Use fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavor at the end.
- Soup thickens as it cools; add extra broth when reheating if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 20mg